Cinder House by Freya Marske
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had some expectations--and reservations--but it turns out that this retelling of Cinderella was actually rather unique. Divorcing itself from the Grimm or Disney versions quite nicely, it also doesn't go totally grimdark. Instead, it revels in having truth and trust become dominant, almost as the core.

Wild, right? When the original is about abuse and trying to break free and lies, lies, lies, this one also has the first bit, but gives both Ella AND the Prince a way to break their curses. And misunderstandings are quickly fixed by being honest.

WEIRD.

I love it.

There's still plenty of conflict in other ways, but having true accommodation be a core in this one is rather damn refreshing and healing.

This is probably one of my favorites out of this year's Hugo noms.

View all my reviews